Sunday, August 16, 2020

FCF #1: Dior Homme 2011 VS Dior Homme 2020-- Which Should You Buy?

 


Despite both sharing the Dior Homme name, these two fragrances couldn't be farther apart. One is a super refined, unique predominantly floral-based scent while the other is a somewhat generic, mass-appealing wood-based fragrance. 


Both 2011 and 2020 deserve their own merits. Make sure you check out my review for each. 


But in today's post, I'm going to be putting Dior Homme 2011 and Dior Homme 2020 against each other to find out which is truly the more worthy Dior Homme. Both cost about the same-- $95 USD for a 100ml-- so for the sake of the battle I'm going to assume you only have $100 to spend.


I know realistically, many people probably have both like myself, but I'm also going to assume you only want one. 


In this head-to-head I'm going to be talking about three different categories: Composition, Performance and, Usability


Without further ado, let's get into it and find out, once and for all, which Dior Homme is superior.


Round One: Composition 


DH 2011: Top Notes: Lavender, Sage, and Bergamot Heart notes: Iris, Amber, and Cocao Bottom Notes: Vetiver, Patchouli, and Leather


DH 2020: Top Notes: Bergamot, Pink Pepper, Elemi Heart Notes: Patchouli, Cedar, Cashmere Wood Bottom Notes: White Musk and Vetiver.


As noted in the intro, Dior Homme 2011 is a very refined, sophisticated, and eloquent fragrance. It has become my go-to fragrance for times I want to feel more professional and distinguished.


The scent itself is absolutely breathtaking. The blend of iris, cocoa, sage, and amber results in an intensely satisfying and immensely encompassing eau de toilette.


Essentially, this stuff is attraction in a bottle. It is so sexy and confident, and is unlike anything I have ever experienced. I have even legit already told my wife that I want more of it for my birthday next month!


Dior Homme 2020, on the other hand, has a somewhat generic quality to it. The strong presence of cedar and vetiver does result in a powerful and captivating fragrance, but it definitely lacks the uniqueness found in the former. 


That being said, Dior Homme 2020 is probably one of the best predominantly wood-based fragrance I have ever worn, but I really don't see you standing apart from the crowd while wearing it.


Unlike 2011, which took me nearly a month to fall in love with, 2020 is extremely enchanting from the start. I actually bought a full bottle after shortly after getting a 10ml mini decant. I could quickly tell that it was something that I wanted in my collection. 


Winner: Both are completely different kinds of fragrances. Dior Homme 2011 consists primarily of florals and herbal notes while the 2020 reformulation consists mainly of a few types of wood. So at the end of the day it's really going to depend on which kind of fragrance you want: floral or woodsy. However, to me the winner is crystal clear. I have to give this one to Dior Homme 2011


Round Two: Performance


DH 2011: 7.5 hours longevity and 1 hour of projection


DH 2020: 7 hours longevity and 1.5 hours of projection


As you can tell based on the numbers, both 2011 and 2020 have pretty much the same level of performance. The only difference is that I get a half hour longer in terms of longevity with 2011, and a half hour longer in terms of projection with 2020. 


It would actually be really close to call if not for this one fundamental difference: despite projecting a bit longer and stronger in the beginning, 2020 quickly becomes a skin scent shortly after the 90 minute mark. I would say it becomes a skin scent after two hours, and doesn't really come back.


Despite not projecting as strongly in the beginning, 2011 doesn't quite become a skin scent until the five hour mark, and even after that you will subtly detect it for the remaining 2.5 hours. It's really nice to suddenly get a whiff of it after it seemingly has become a skin scent.


Because it is such a pleasant, relaxing scent, the fact that 2011 does lasts so long makes it a definite mood enhancer. 2020 would be a lot better if it performed similarly to its predecessor.


Winner: Again, the choice for this one is clear guys. Dior Homme 2011  is the all around better performer. 2020 is definitely stronger in the beginning, but what makes 2011 such a great fragrance is that it keeps coming back, even when you think it's gone.


Round Three: Usability


DH 2011: Somewhat versatile, ideal for formal situations


DH 2020: Incredibly versatile, perfect for any situation


Let me tell you: both 2011 and 2020 would make signature scents, but I think the latter would make an ideal first signature scent. Because it's a bit on the generic side, 2020 is super easy to wear and could be worn in virtually any situation. 


Dior Homme 2020 is almost equally appropriate when worn casually and professionally. It's a pretty neutral fragrance, and therefore, you can be confident in wearing this one for whatever you're doing. 


Dior Homme 2011, on the other hand, isn't as diverse when it comes to when you can wear it. Of course, you can wear it whenever and wherever you want, but I just don't see it working its magic when you're out at a bar or hanging with friends.


In fact, because the scent is much more unique than 2020, you're going to have to think before you wear this. Because there's a higher chance that you'll offend someone while wearing it. Even though I don't see that happening often, you probably wouldn't want to wear this one to a job interview or at a networking event. Better safe than sorry.


Both are pretty light fragrances though, which definitely makes me hesitate before wearing either outside on a hot day or in a moment I know I'm going to be sweating.


Winner: In terms of usability, I have to say Dior Homme 2020 is the better fragrance. The scent is just so mass-appealing and simple that your chance of offending someone while wearing it is virtually zero. Of course, there's always going to be that one person who will complain, but compared to 2011, 2020 just seems like a safer option.


Final Thoughts: Both Dior Homme 2011 and 2020 are phenomenal fragrances. I'm actually really glad I had the opportunity to experience both and to try 2020 before 2011, as mentioned in my review of the former. But regardless, there's only one that I want to keep in my collection and that"s Dior Homme 2011. There's just something special about the powderyness of the iris and the richness of the cocao. It's something that you'll be really glad to have in your collection!


Overall Winner: Dior Homme 2011


If interested in buying, I bought mine at: https://www.fragrancex.com/products/_cid_cologne-am-lid_d-am-pid_60802m__products.html?sid=DIORHOM34


-Ryan S.







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